How To Bbq T-Bone Steak on Gas Grill
Grilling a T-bone steak on a gas grill is one of the best ways to highlight its juicy tenderness and bold beef flavor. The T-shaped bone divides two prized cuts—the tenderloin and the strip steak—offering a combination of texture and taste in one piece. With the right technique, temperature control, and resting time, you can achieve steakhouse-level results in your own backyard. For excellent heat performance and durability, consider high-quality grills from TopGrill Outdoor.
1. Preparing the T-Bone Steak
Start with a steak that’s at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick to handle high-heat grilling without overcooking. Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature—this ensures even cooking.
Preparation Steps:
Pat both sides dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Season generously with coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Optionally, add a light rub of rosemary or thyme for aroma.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drying | Promotes even browning and better sear |
| Oiling | Prevents sticking and enhances crust |
| Seasoning | Deepens flavor and surface texture |
2. Preheating the Gas Grill
Preheat your gas grill for 10–15 minutes with the lid closed until it reaches 450–500°F (230–260°C). This high heat is essential for a proper sear. If your grill has multiple burners, set one side to high heat and the other to medium for a two-zone setup—perfect for finishing thicker steaks.
3. Grilling Time and Temperature
The ideal T-bone steak should have a crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior. The total cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Cooking Time (per side) | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125°F / 49–52°C | 3–4 min | 6–8 min |
| Medium-rare | 130–135°F / 54–57°C | 4–5 min | 8–10 min |
| Medium | 135–145°F / 57–63°C | 5–6 min | 10–12 min |
| Medium-well | 145–155°F / 63–68°C | 6–7 min | 12–14 min |
| Well-done | 160°F+ / 71°C+ | 7–8 min | 14–16 min |
Tip: For thick steaks (1.5 inches or more), sear both sides over high heat for a few minutes, then move to the medium zone to finish slowly without burning.
4. Step-by-Step Grilling Method
Oil and preheat the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the T-bone steak on the hot zone and sear for 3–5 minutes per side with the lid open. Avoid pressing it down—let the heat do the work.
Check internal temperature using a thermometer in the center (away from the bone).
Move to the cooler zone if the steak needs more time to reach your target temperature.
Rest for 5–10 minutes after grilling, loosely covered with foil. Resting lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite.
5. Doneness and Texture Guide
| Doneness | Appearance | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | Deep red center | Very soft, juicy |
| Medium-rare | Warm red-pink center | Tender and moist |
| Medium | Light pink center | Firm but juicy |
| Medium-well | Slightly pink center | Dense and less juicy |
| Well-done | Brown throughout | Firm and dry |
6. Professional Grilling Tips
Use tongs, not a fork. Piercing the steak releases natural juices.
Keep the lid closed during indirect grilling to maintain temperature.
Add butter or compound herbs during the last minute of grilling for extra richness.
Avoid flipping too often. One flip is enough to develop the right crust.
Clean grates after use to preserve flavor and grill performance.
7. Serving Suggestions
Serve your BBQ T-bone steak with sides that complement its robust flavor:
Grilled asparagus or corn on the cob
Garlic mashed potatoes
Fresh garden salad
A drizzle of homemade steak sauce or melted herb butter
You can also slice the meat off the bone and present both cuts—tenderloin and strip—side by side for a refined plating style.
8. Conclusion
Grilling a T-bone steak on a gas grill is simple once you master the heat and timing. The process typically takes 8–14 minutes total, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Sear first, then finish gently using indirect heat for consistent results. For even cooking and perfect searing power, choose a sturdy, precision-controlled Gas BBQ Grill from TopGrill Outdoor, designed to make every backyard meal taste like a steakhouse experience.
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